November 1

[jlannspr]

Can you believe it is November 1st?? I struggle around the holidays with stress, family, good and bad memories. Just want to remind each of you and myself to form a plan for that holiday stress. Know how you are going to handle awkard family interactions, lack of money, or whatever else comes our way this season. This time of year can be trying or glorious, let's decide ahead of time what our stressors will be and how we are going to handle them. Best wishes to everyone whether it is hour 1 or day 364!

[YesLife4Me]

Even if you don't have a problem with alcohol, one can easily replace the opiates with alcohol and find themselves with a new addiction.   For an addict a drug is a drug is a drug.  I've been staying away from alcohol (which I rarely touched before) so that i can clearly focus on what's going on with my body.  

[kkcopacetic]

Just a thought for those of us that have an alcohol problem in addition to opiates. The booze tends to flow at this time of year and I know for me that is an express train back into active addiction. Be on guard at those get-togethers.      kk

[Pat1956100]

I start to get stressed as soon as I see the first commercial.  This year is going to be even more stressful as I will hopefully be clean and I just can't afford Christmas.  I always used to spoil my son rotten when he was young and it breaks my heart now that I can't.
There are a lot of years to come though to make up for it.  
But I agree, Christmas is way too stressful and a big reason why lot of people drink or get high.

[YesLife4Me]

I was told when I went to rehab that the holidays are the time when they have the most patients because the holidays are a time when most addicts stress levels are at the highest from dealing with everything from bad memories, family to money issues.  

[Sonrissa]

Yes, I'm glad you posted about this subject! The holidays are usually very stressful for me! Last year, I had my beloved pills to help me cope, or so I thought! They really didn't help me deal with it at all! This year, it's a whole different story! I for one, plan on staying very close to this forum! I think we may all need some extra support this time of the year!

Take care!

[akitagurl12]

i'm really glad you posted this today.  Because you are right, it is just around the corner and this will be the first year in a very long time I will be sober through it all.  I think this year I am just letting go of my expectations of my family and the holidays and not getting too wrapped up in any of it.  I would be even ok not celebrating at all this year if that is what it takes. Maybe spending the time doing vounteer work instead or something.  

[Undertow71]

well, my family does not really interact anymore.Not in the broad spectrum anyway.
     Holidays are the worst for me.i was thinking about this very thing yesterday as knowledge is power and being aware is more power to fight it off.
     Havn't been a holiday person forabout ummmmmm 20+ years due to certain reasons. And so many have passed away in the last 7 years that it is just immediate family anymore.and  some of those have also moved on.
    My stress right now is how i will deal with the pies and all the food being broken up as i am lol.
You see i am the Cook in the house,My wife helps with prep is about it,i guess she will have to do more this year.